Autism Society Ontario
Simcoe County Branch

Auditory Integration Training (AIT)
 

Auditory Integration Training is intended to decrease hypersensistivity to certain frequencies and attempts to reduce problems with auditory processing which are experienced by some people with autism.  AIT is done with a device that filters some sound frequencies from recorded music which the trainee listens to via headphones.  The training involves listening to individually prepared music with earphones for a total of ten hours (1/2 an hour, twice a day for 10 days).  The design of each child’s training is based on the results of an audiogram.

Dr. Guy Berard, developer of Berard Method of AIT, and Bill Clark, developer of the BGC method of AIT, state that filtering peaks is optional for the developmentally disabled population. In addition, Drs. Bernard Rimland and Stephen Edelson of the Autism Research Institute in San Diego have conducted three empirical studies and have found that filtering peaks in one's hearing is not related to one's level of improvement using various post-assessment measures. The music is, in all cases, modulated throughout the 10 hours of listening, whether or not peaks are filtered.

The Berard method of AIT has relieved thousands of sufferers from dyslexia, hyperactivity and other conditions, including suicidal depression.

There are two methods of AIT, the Tomatis and the Berard.  They are different enough that they should perhaps be considered different therapies.  There is also a vast difference in the cost of the two programs.

Tomatis Method
A kind of AIT developed by Alfred Tomatis.  Over several weeks, the person listens to classical music with the low frequencies filtered out.  Over time, voices (also filtered) are introduced, then the missing frequencies.  Treatment requires weeks, (3weeks on – off for approximately 3 months – back again for 3 weeks) typically 2 hours of listening a day.

We recommend you read a report that compares the two methods-  “A Comparison of The Berard Method vs The Tomatis Approach”  ARI Publ. 111  10/91.  Available from the Autism Research Institute.   

In Ontario you can get services for either at the following locations:

The Berard Method -  Oakdale Family Child Service (Contact: Ralph Bache)  Barrie, Ont. (705) 737-0940
The Listening Centre – Toronto, Ont

Contacts

The Autism Research Institute maintains a list of AIT practitioner’s worldwide. To receive a copy send a stamped, self-addressed envelope marked ’ AIT practitioner list’ to: Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams, San Diego CA 92116

The Georgiana Organisation, Inc, P.O. Box 2607, Westport CT 06880 

Centre for the Study of Autism, 2207b Portland Road, Newberg OR 97132 Telephone: +(503) 538-9045

Lynn Adams, 1203 Fawn Street, Tullahome TN 37388 Telephone: (615) 454-9578

Suggested Reading

Annabel Stehli wrote a book, The Sound of a Miracle, about her daughter’s experience with auditory training.

Hearing Equals Behaviour by Guy Berard, M.D.  (Introduction by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.)

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Copyright © 2003 Autism Society Ontario - Simcoe County Branch
Last modified: February 02, 2003